Automation Engineer

Position Summary

We are seeking an Automation Engineer to design, support, optimize, and improve automated manufacturing systems in a fast-paced production environment. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining PLC, robotics, vision, and motion control systems while leading automation projects that improve safety, quality, productivity, and equipment reliability. The Automation Engineer will collaborate closely with operations, maintenance, quality, and manufacturing teams to implement innovative automation solutions and drive continuous improvement initiatives.

Key Responsibilities

• Design, develop, program, and support automated manufacturing systems including PLCs, HMIs, robots, servo systems, and vision systems
• Lead automation projects from concept through implementation, startup, and validation
• Develop and modify PLC, robot, and HMI programs to improve equipment performance and manufacturing efficiency
• Troubleshoot complex automation and controls issues to minimize downtime and improve reliability
• Support new equipment installations, automation upgrades, and capital improvement projects
• Analyze production processes and identify opportunities for automation and process optimization
• Develop electrical control system architectures and review electrical schematics and machine designs
• Collaborate with maintenance, production, quality, and engineering teams to implement corrective and preventive actions
• Create and maintain engineering documentation including control narratives, electrical drawings, programming standards, and operating procedures
• Monitor equipment performance and utilize data analysis to drive continuous improvement initiatives
• Ensure compliance with safety standards, machine guarding requirements, and applicable industry regulations
• Provide technical leadership and mentoring to maintenance and technician personnel

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Automation Engineering, Mechatronics Engineering, Engineering Technology, or related field preferred.
• Associate degree with significant automation engineering experience may be considered.
• 5+ years of experience designing, programming, and supporting industrial automation systems in a manufacturing environment.
• Strong PLC programming experience with Allen-Bradley RSLogix 500, Studio 5000, and FactoryTalk platforms.
• Experience with industrial robotics including Fanuc, ABB, Wittmann, or similar systems.
• Experience with HMI, SCADA, motion control, and vision inspection systems.
• Strong understanding of industrial networking including Ethernet/IP and related communication protocols.
• Ability to read and develop electrical schematics, control system layouts, and technical documentation.
• Project management and capital project experience preferred.

Preferred Experience

• Plastic injection molding automation.
• High-speed and high-volume manufacturing environments.
• Safety PLCs and machine safety systems.
• Servo motion control systems.
• Vision-guided robotics.
• Lean Manufacturing and Continuous Improvement methodologies.

What We Offer

• Opportunity to lead automation and capital projects.
• Professional engineering and technical developments.
• Growth into senior engineering or leadership roles.